What Jobs Are In a Restaurant?
The restaurant industry is vibrant, active—and full of job opportunities. If you're interested in a career in the restaurant industry, but don't know where to start, this blog post is for you. Below, we’re reviewing some of the most common jobs in the restaurant industry and what they entail. This way, you can decide which job is right for you!
1. Host or Hostess
We'll start our list with the employees at the front of the house. The host or hostess is the first person customers see when they enter the establishment, so restaurant managers and customers expect them to be upbeat and smiling.
Not only are hosts tasked with taking customers to their seats and fulfilling to-go orders, but they're frequently charged with general upkeep of the restaurant. Whether that's ensuring the bathrooms are clean or picking up trash in the waiting area, restaurant managers rely on the hosts for so many things. The pay scale for a host or hostess is minimum wage, as this job is typically reserved for more entry-level employees.
2. Server
Also known as a waiter or waitress, the servers are the heart of the restaurant. Obviously, servers are tasked with waiting on specific tables, providing them food and drinks as requested. Some servers are in charge of handling their own alcoholic beverages, so depending on the state you're in, there may be an age minimum to apply. Servers must be able to work with people who have all types of personalities.
Additionally, they must provide exceptional service no matter the day or table they're serving. Servers need to have a food handlers certificate to understand safety best practices for serving food in the United States.
However, the specifics of the certification vary depending on which state you work in. The pay of a server is highly-dependent on the restaurant and state they're located in. Most servers are paid less than the minimum wage because their way will be supplemented by tips.
3. Bartender
Although not all restaurants hire bartenders, their necessary extra certification ensures they're always in demand. Bartenders are responsible for making drinks for the entire restaurant, as well as serving people that sit at the bar.
Bartenders are paid similarly to servers, where the majority of their pay is from tips. If you're interested in becoming a bartender, make sure you complete your Alcohol Seller Certification training before you apply to any jobs.
4. Cook
Now let's move into the back of the house, otherwise known as the kitchen. Of course, a restaurant can't stay in business without delicious food, so a cook's job is critical for success. Depending on the restaurant, there can be several different types of cooks, such as line cooks, head chefs, and sous chefs. The needed experience levels and pay scales vary depending on the type of chef in question.
When you're looking for a job as a cook or chef in a restaurant, pay attention to the job description and required experience because job titles can vary from restaurant to restaurant.
5. Dishwasher
Although it's not the most glamorous job, a dishwasher is vital for a restaurant— and it's a great entry-level job if you're looking to gain experience in the restaurant industry. Washing dishes isn't difficult, and the job mostly entails pre-rinsing and running the machines.
However, it's important to note that you'll need to learn a bit about industrial dishwashing machines since they are different than the ones you find in your house. Dishwashers are typically paid minimum wage because, as we mentioned above, this is a more entry-level job.
6. Restaurant Manager
When it comes to managing a restaurant, it's frequently a job that requires multiple people. Each restaurant has its own setup, which could include kitchen managers, bar managers, and restaurant managers.
Kitchen and bar managers have self-explanatory titles. Still, for a little more context, a restaurant manager essentially runs the daily operations of the restaurant—everything from hiring and firing to managing customer complaints. If you are looking to get hired as a restaurant manager, get certified in food safety. It will increase your chances of landing the job. Plus, many states require you to get certified.
Get Prepared for Your Next job with Food Safety Training
Now that you have a better understanding of the different careers in a restaurant, do you know which one you want to pursue? Before submitting your resume, increase your chances of landing the job by completing your food safety education. Sign up for your course and start your training today!